Chapter 3: A New Beginning
Inside John's office were two chairs, he sat on one while osa sat across him.
Clearing his throat, John blasted Osa with a series of questions
what had happened, why he was in this state, and where his parents were.
Osa replied truthfully, "My parents are dead," recounting his story but carefully omitting the part where he was saved by the ring.
The guard observed Osa's expression closely—the boy seemed to be holding something back, as if his eyes were saying I'm lying. John shook his head thoughtfully. He wondered when Blue Fur City had begun to have so many hybrids. As far as he knew, there were only 100 hybrids in total, with ten hidden ones—two of whom had recently passed away.
The boy was attacked by Mr. Aaron, John reasoned, but someone saved him. His mind went to the Force King, an enigmatic hybrid with unknown origins. According to rumors, Force King was the third most powerful hybrid in Blue Fur City. He'd even challenged two high-level hybrids once, though no one had witnessed the fight. Everyone assumed he'd lost—after all, as a mid-level hybrid, challenging two high-levels was suicide.
But maybe the rumors were wrong.
While the guard was lost in thought, Osa was preoccupied with his own worries. He was considering where to start his life now—his career, his education. He was in his second year of junior high school, which he needed to complete for future prospects. If he never awakened as a hybrid, he'd have to rely on his education to survive.
As Osa considered his future, his anxiety spiked. This man's decision would determine everything. If he let him go—unlikely—Osa's future would be difficult, but survivable. However, if he took him back home or to the City Lord's residence, he'd be finished. Further investigation might uncover the truth about what really happened to Mr. Aaron, and then...
After a few minutes, the guard finally spoke. "You have no parents to care for you. I'll take you to the North District Orphanage. It's the best place for you right now."
Relief flooded through Osa like a dam breaking. The orphanage meant safety. Shelter. Food. No questions about dead hybrids or mysterious rings.
He was so overwhelmed that tears began streaming down his face—but these were tears of relief and joy.
The guard was startled at first, then his expression softened. The boy really has nowhere else to go.
He'd briefly considered taking Osa to the City Lord's residence for a formal investigation, but looking at the traumatized child in front of him, he decided against it. The orphanage was better—he could monitor the boy there, and if things turned suspicious later, the City Lord could still be informed.
"You'll sleep here in the office tonight," the guard said. "It's already late. I'll pick you up early tomorrow morning and take you to the orphanage."
"Thank you, sir," Osa whispered.
The man nodded and left to resume his patrol.
As soon as he was alone, Osa collapsed to the ground, exhaustion finally overtaking him. Within moments, he was asleep.
Very early the following morning, just as promised, the guard returned. He paused outside the office door before opening it—and was immediately stunned by what he saw.
All the paperwork and items from the desk were scattered across the room, as if a sudden wind had torn through the space.
Osa looked up from where he'd been sleeping, equally confused by the mess, until his eyes fell on the man standing at the entrance. The guard's expression was suspicious, clearly recalling the strange events of the previous day.
Osa stood quickly. "Good morning, sir."
The man studied him for a moment, then nodded and signaled for him to follow.
In the farthest reaches of the South District, Milly's Orphanage sat on a small plot of land next to the Merchant Guild, the most well-known shopping center in Blue Fur City. After crossing the main road, the guard stopped a taxi, and they both got in. The ride was about ten kilometers. A short while later, the taxi driver pulled up outside a typical-looking four-story building.
As Osa got out of the car and observed the old structure, he was shocked. This wasn't what he'd imagined at all.
"Is this the Milly Orphanage?" he asked.
"Yes, this is the Milly Orphanage where I grew up," the guard replied.
Osa's eyes widened in surprise. He's an orphan too. That explained why he'd chosen to bring him here. When the man started walking toward the building's entrance, Osa quickly ran after him.
As soon as Osa stepped inside, he couldn't help but remark, "Wow, the reception hall is so big. I think they use the entire downstairs for it."
The guard chuckled lightly as he approached the woman behind the desk.
"Hi, Miss Mary. Is Aunt Rose in?" he asked.
"Yes," the woman replied, glancing up before turning her attention to Osa. She grinned at him warmly, which made the boy shift uncomfortably.
The guard thanked her and led Osa upstairs.
Once again, Osa was astonished. Just like downstairs, the second floor was a huge hall—possibly even bigger—but with a key difference. There was a playground area where kids of different ages were playing. A middle-aged woman who appeared to be in her late thirties stood among them, supervising.
"Wait here for a moment," the guard told Osa before walking over to the woman.
While he was gone, some kids ran up to Osa and examined him curiously.
One of them, who didn't appear much older than Osa himself, walked up with a bright smile. "Hi, I'm Peter. What's your name, please?"
"Hello, I'm Osa," he replied.
"Are you going to be staying with us?" Peter asked eagerly.
"Well, maybe," Osa said.
Peter let out an excited yell and started singing a silly song about Osa joining them. Despite everything, Osa couldn't help but smile as he watched the child sing and dance.
Shortly after, the guard returned with a smile on his face.
"Osa, you're going to be spending a lot of time here. Treat everyone as family."
"Yes, sir," Osa answered immediately.